The number 13 may be unlucky for some but for the sport of volleyball the year 2013 is proving to be a monumental one.

As you will see in the pages of this edition of World Volley News, a record number of teams have registered to enter the qualification process for the 2014 FIVB Volleyball World Championships. The 295 teams from 162 national federations across the five confederations represent the largest increase in participation levels in the history of the Championship.

The question is:who will be crowned World Champion in 2014? All we can be sure about is that a higher level of participation will drive up the quality of the competition and bring to the forefront countries we are not used to seeing on the courts. We need to nurture this trend with enough financial assistance and practical know-how to help countries in development reach their potential.

Volleyball is slowly taking hold of the hearts and minds of people all over the world. But the hard work is only just beginning. Organisers of these qualification events must now step up to the plate and ensure that teams have all the facilities at their disposal to make brilliant volleyball happen.

Our sport has the potential to be great. And with skill, dedication and energy we can make it happen.